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Rustenberg – John X. Merriman 2005, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, South Africa Cost: $26.99/bottle A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and some dollops of the remaining Bordeaux varietals, this dark, saturated, ruby-colored wine exhibited a silky smooth medium body with perfume-like scents of cedar, black currants, black cherry, dark Godiva chocolate, and subtle toasted oak. In […]

Black Wing Pinot Noir 2006, South East Australia Cost: $22/bottle Nice, deep, garnet red, with moderately full-bodied package. For a pinot noir, it looks strikingly similar to a Californian cabernet sauvignon, but the aroma is all pinot noir, with its vibrant bouquet of cherries, raspberries, cloves, and a hint of sage and thyme. Boldly flavored […]

Trazado Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile Cost: $24.99/bottle On my way to the checkout counter at my local wine shop, I came across this in the “featured” aisle— with a sign expressing that this is Chile’s version of a

Quintessa 2004 – Bordeaux blend – Napa Valley, California Cost: $250/bottle restaurant retail or app. $125 store retail A bit of a splurge on the Quintessa 2004, a wine made predominantly of cabernet sauvignon, but with dollops of other red varietals. Nose of liquid Snickers, and mocha-java coffee that lingers above the blackberries and blueberries, […]

  As one sagacious oenophile put it best: "OK, the sommelier will shut up now and the girl will take over… *SQUEEE! HELLO KITTY WINE!*" [ Side note to resident sommelier and "Cellar Notes" correspondent, Aris Francisco: Please don’t hit me. ] :)    

Oreno – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese – 2006 Tuscany Cost: $80-$85/bottle A dark opaque purple wine, moderately full-bodied with rather elevated acidity and tannins. Granted, it is young (recently released, that is). Its nose is already revealing— with great black cherries, black raspberries, violets, cedar, graphite, and a touch of vanilla bean. In the […]

Bogle Chardonnay 2006 – California Cost: $10/bottle Nice light gold in color, with a sweet, oaky nose intermixed with honey, pear, and peach. Consistent flavors pack this full-bodied and chewy chardonnay that should match quite nicely with

PX This presents Cellar Notes by Aris Francisco. Marquis Philips Roogle Riesling 2008 and Opus One Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

PX This presents “Cellar Notes” Volume18 – Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc, California

PX This presents the “Cellar Notes” review of Laurel Cellars and Justin cabernet sauvignons from California.